Describe a shop/store you often visit: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where it is?
What type of people go there?
What types of goods are sold there?

98 unique answers with expert feedback

What types of products do you usually buy at Reliance Mart?

I usually buy groceries like fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, and pulses. I also pick up household items and sometimes cosmetics. Occasionally, I check out the electronics section if I need something specific.

How do you feel about the prices at Reliance Mart compared to other stores?

I find the prices at Reliance Mart to be quite reasonable, especially with the discounts and loyalty points they offer. It often feels more economical than smaller local stores where prices can be higher for similar products.

Have you ever faced any issues while shopping at Reliance Mart?

I haven't faced major issues, but during peak hours, it can get crowded. However, the self-checkout counters help alleviate long wait times, making the experience smoother overall.

Band 7

00:00

One store that I often visit is a Japanese inspired store called Miniso. It is just 15 minutes away from the place that I live in a mall. The store consists of small aesthetically pleasing items such as skin care products, makeup items, even bigger bags and an electronic section. Miniso is a very culturally inspired store and I like that how some of its things are very cute and well kept. They are also arranged in a manner that you would want to visit the place. The type of people that usually visit this store range in a wide variety. It can be students, it can be young teens who are looking for organizers, notebooks to maintain their daily records. It can be old people looking for repair items as well as it can be women who are looking for makeup or skin care. Or they can also go there for giving someone a good gift. This store is not only a convenience and an everyday lifestyle store but it is also a store which basically has everything that you can need.

Follow up questions

What do you like most about shopping at Miniso?

I really enjoy the variety of products they offer, especially the cute and aesthetically pleasing items. The layout of the store makes it easy to browse, and I often find unique gifts for friends and family.

How often do you visit Miniso and why?

I visit Miniso at least once a month because I love discovering new products. It's also a great place to find affordable gifts for various occasions, and I appreciate the quality of their items.

Have you ever recommended Miniso to others? Why?

Yes, I've recommended Miniso to friends and family because of its diverse range of products and the fun shopping experience. It's a great place for anyone looking for trendy items at reasonable prices.

Band 7

00:00

A shop I often visit is a bookstore. I am, like many others, somebody who values and treasures books extremely deeply. Books for me are so important to gain perspective on the lives I have not lived and the lives I will not lead. And this is something that I have encountered from a very young age where if I read a different perspective, if I read a different book, I start to see life in a different lens. The kind of people that go to this specific bookstore are a myriad of people. This is a melting pot of people from different walks of life who come here to gain something new. There are people who are looking to escape reality, who want to read fiction and fantasy, who want to get away and step away from their everyday lives for a little bit and get lost in the beauty of words and the beauty of a world that does not exist. And then there are people who step into the bookstore to get help, to gain another way of seeing life, to gain some amount of hope or dream, to make sure that they are not alone. The people who read self-help books and then there are people who want to read documentaries, who want to read biographies, who want to read about the greats of the people who lived before them, of the people who have done things that they can only imagine and to maybe gain a little bit of strength and to be inspired and to be motivated. For me personally, a bookstore is an entrance into a different realm where the opportunities are boundless, where there is hope, where there is dreams, where there is an option to leave whatever you have been carrying, the burden of existence and to pause for a minute and to take something and be transported into a world that is not your own, that does not exist, but still gives you comfort that can only be given through art.

Follow up questions

What types of books do you enjoy reading the most?

I particularly enjoy reading fiction and fantasy novels. They allow me to escape reality and immerse myself in different worlds. However, I also appreciate self-help books and biographies, as they provide valuable insights and inspiration from the lives of others.

How do you think bookstores contribute to a community?

Bookstores serve as cultural hubs where people from diverse backgrounds can come together. They foster a sense of community by providing a space for discussions, events, and shared experiences, allowing individuals to connect over their love for literature and learning.

Have you ever participated in events at your favorite bookstore?

Yes, I have attended several book readings and discussions at my favorite bookstore. These events are enriching experiences that allow me to engage with authors and fellow readers, deepening my appreciation for literature and the stories we share.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

A store that I often like to visit has to be Off Duty India. Off Duty India is located in Oshiwara, Andheri which is one of the busiest places in Mumbai. A lot of people go there as it is located in the hub of Andheri where a lot of people live. All kinds of people visit the store but especially it is popular among the people who are into fashion. What I really like about the store is that it has a fashion idea which is sustainable. Additionally, it also ensures that it delivers quality fabric. What I like apart from all of these factors is that it caters to my needs as I am someone who is more than the average female in India. My height is about 5.7 inches and the models also available over there are around my height. Which is why the bottoms that I buy from there are often catering to my length. It is a store that I like to visit often as the staff over there is also quite friendly. The moment I enter the store, the ambience is extremely mesmerizing. Additionally, the store was inspired by Korean fashion which is gaining popularity in India and globally as well. The fitting also is perfect. I like that it also includes people who are skinny. And also ensures that people who are a little overweight or from the plus size are also getting the kind of clothes that they want to. It caters to all kinds of people right from people who want chic and minimal clothing. And at the same time some people who want to go a little overboard with their dressing sense.

Follow up questions

What other stores do you enjoy visiting and why?

Apart from Off Duty India, I enjoy visiting stores like H&M and Zara. They offer trendy styles and a wide range of options. H&M is great for casual wear, while Zara has more formal pieces. I appreciate how these stores keep up with the latest fashion trends and provide good quality.

How important is sustainable fashion to you?

Sustainable fashion is very important to me. I believe that we should be mindful of our environmental impact. Choosing brands that focus on sustainability helps reduce waste and promotes ethical practices. I feel good knowing that my purchases support a healthier planet.

Do you think fashion stores should cater to all body types?

Absolutely! Fashion stores should cater to all body types to promote inclusivity. Everyone deserves to find stylish clothing that fits well. When stores offer a diverse range of sizes, it helps boost confidence and allows people to express their individuality through fashion.

Band 7

00:00

One of the stores I often visit is H&M, Heinz & Moritz, which is a Swedish brand dealing with apparels, accessories and even home products. I feel that it's my favorite brand because it has a very comforting exterior, very polite employees and I feel, I perceive that the clothes over there do not just stick to one body type and cater to all shapes and sizes. What I love the most about it is that the clothes, even though have plus sizes in them, but are really fashionable and comfortable on the body. As a girl who's more on the healthier side, it is truly a gem. You can see that it is located in various malls throughout the NCR or even throughout the globe. You can find it in every single developed country such as US, UK and India. H&M has been very special to my heart because since the time I was dealing with obesity, that was the only brand I thought really got my fashion sense and taste because every other brand had a sizing issue or a fit issue because they didn't really cater to the people on the heavier side. So Heinz & Moritz has truly been a gem.

Follow up questions

What specific items do you usually buy from H&M?

I usually buy a variety of items from H&M, including casual wear like t-shirts and jeans, as well as dresses for special occasions. I also love their accessories, like bags and jewelry, which complement my outfits perfectly.

How does shopping at H&M make you feel compared to other stores?

Shopping at H&M makes me feel confident and accepted. Unlike other stores where I often struggle to find my size, H&M offers a wide range of fashionable options that fit well and make me feel good about myself.

Have you recommended H&M to your friends or family?

Yes, I have recommended H&M to many of my friends and family. I often tell them about the variety of sizes and styles available, and how the brand is inclusive. They have also had positive experiences shopping there, which makes me happy.

Show all 98 answers

Cue 1:Where it is?

Begin by describing the location of the shop, mentioning nearby landmarks or neighborhoods.
Include details about how often you visit this shop and what makes it convenient for you.

Example

The shop I often visit is located in the bustling market area of my neighborhood, just a few blocks away from my home. It's called 'Daily Needs' and is situated right next to a popular café. I visit this shop at least twice a week because it’s very convenient for me to grab groceries on my way back from work.

Cue 2:What type of people go there?

Describe the typical customers you see in the shop, including their age group and demographics.
Mention any specific reasons why these people prefer this shop over others.

Example

The shop attracts a diverse crowd, including young professionals, families, and elderly residents. Most of the customers are local people who prefer shopping here because the prices are reasonable and the staff is friendly. I often see mothers with children buying snacks and working professionals picking up quick meals.

Cue 3:What types of goods are sold there?

List the main categories of products available in the shop, such as groceries, household items, or personal care products.
Highlight any unique or popular items that make the shop stand out.

Example

At 'Daily Needs', you can find a wide range of goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, snacks, and household essentials. One of the unique features of this shop is its selection of organic products, which has become increasingly popular among health-conscious customers like myself.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, 'Daily Needs' is more than just a shop for me; it’s a community hub where I can find everything I need while enjoying a friendly atmosphere. I appreciate the convenience and the variety of products available, which keeps me coming back regularly.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the shop or your experiences there.

Tip

Include specific examples and details about the shop, such as its location, unique features, and your personal experiences to make your answer more engaging.

2: Ignoring the Cues

Failing to address the provided cues can lead to an incomplete answer. It is important to cover all aspects of the question to demonstrate your speaking ability.

Tip

Structure your response by clearly addressing each cue: where the shop is, the type of people who visit, and the goods sold there.

Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple language may not showcase your English proficiency. It can make your response sound less interesting and engaging.

Tip

Use a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures to express your ideas. Try to incorporate descriptive adjectives and adverbs to enhance your answer.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.